Dogs & Vans

[Mark and Mindy]

We're completely new to motorhomes, we went to the Shepton Mallet show last month thinking that we definitely wanted a fixed bed, double or twin and a "proper" motorhome (not having got as far as which type); we came away and on the way home in the car, later that evening and the next day came to the conclusion that actually we wanted a rear lounge and a panel van conversion. We did look at a couple of vans but didn't like the dinette at the front and so the online search started.

Having found that its possible to get a 2 belt, 2 berth van we've found 4:
Swift Select 122
Auto-Trail V-Line 610 SE
Auto-Sleepers Warwick Duo
Vantage Sol

Not so sure about the Warwick Duo as I don't like the back of the washroom obstructing the light when the sliding van door is open.

We don't have a problem making up beds at night.

But what we can't work out is what to do with the dogs when we're travelling! We did think about a crate but the one we have in the CRV (used for general travelling and dog walks) isn't really big enough for longer periods plus its heavy and we'd have to keep putting it down when parked up. We have dog beds in every shape and size known to man (and his dog) but none of them would work in the floor space, plus again a pain when we're parked up. There are no dinette seats to harness them to although there is the lounge area, however if they get off while we're moving then we could (probably) get the Schnoodle back up with lots of shouting as he's long in leg and quite bouncy, but the Border Terrier doesn't like jumping up onto things which are steep sided or much higher than she is.

So, what do other people do with their dogs when travelling?

 

[32143]

We've been up to the NEC today and looked at the PVCs that I'd previously identified as being right for what we want, of course we still want a Vantage Sol but as we won't be buying anything for another year there's still plenty of time to change our minds. Vantage can fit a D ring which when not in use is flat into its housing and so flat to the floor, the dimensions of the van would mean that we would be able to have both of them behind the seats by the door, harnessed and in a dog bed and there's no reason why they can't stay down that end at night as well. We could have another D ring in the storage area at the back and that also gives the option of having them attached via lead at either the back or side when we're outside the van.

We are planning to tour and love country lanes rather than sitting in the sunshine for more than a few hours hence the PVC decision straight away, there's less storage but as you say its all about compromise.

Our three are harnessed in our panel van, like others we use anchor points and then use seat belt extenders with heavy duty carbines. Using the seat belt extenders gives the seat belt connection to a proper safely harness and makes it quicker to clip them in and out.

Lin

 

[soreeyes]

I always use a crate as the seat belt harnesses are more dangerous than not having any . In the event of an accident the dog will travel forwards then snatched when the harness slack is taken up .

The reason why car seat belts have seat belt pre tensioners that help stop the snatch and damage to our human internal organs in the event of a accident .

 

[gus-lopez]

I have doubled up the seat belt receiving anchors & clip the dogs harness in to one of them.

 

[Stretto Boy]

We use a folding metal crate for our Mimi. We think this is much safer when travelling and better if we have to leave her in the MH for short periods when parked up. She absolutely loves it and fights past us to get in even before we have finished erecting it!

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[Bernie P]

We too use a collapsible crate. Dog curls and sleeps most of the time we're travelling but can still see us. Much the safest option for both us and her. A night and when parked up we fold it down and stow it under the van as the dog has decided her bed is between the front two seats.

 

[Rob and Val]

Do the crates have interior padding? If not, just wondering what would happen to the dog if there were a collision or hard stamp on the brakes. Could he/she be damaged by the metal sides?

 

[Mark and Mindy]

We use a collapsible metal crate in the back of the car for dog walking or shorter journeys, but it isn't big enough for them both to lie down on their sides comfortably, we're 95% set on the Vantage Sol and I don't think we could get a bigger metal crate in. Ideally we'd have a fabric crate which was long and thin but I'm not sure they exist - something that would fit on the floor in the lounge where it would be protected on 3 sides by the U of the lounge seats and held in place with a D ring.

 

[Jaycee3]

We have a 6 berth so not really the same situation but thought I would add what we do. Our dogs are attached by harnesses to seatbelt clips on the dinette. Our son shares a seat with one or the other while we travel.

Our 11 yo sleeps in the overcab bed and we have a fixed transverse bed at the back. There is a curtain which discourages (or at least did after the first couple of trips) the dogs from trying to get up until invited in the morning. At night, the dogs sleep in the dinette area. We have throws on the seats and half a single duvet with a cover on underneath on the floor.

During the day or if we leave them for a bit (not in hot weather), they have the run of the MH. We find it handy if they go on our bed while we eat or are prepping food as this keeps them out of the way. If the weather is nice, we tether them outside in the day while we are in and out of the MH. We make an enclosure with the pull out awning, a couple of windbreaks and some cable ties

 

[Southdowners]

The thing with a crate is that it needs to be bolted to the floor. Unsecured in an accident it would become airborne. Not a pleasant thought for human or dog!

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[Mark and Mindy]

In the way of those who want to buy a campervan/motorhome we've changed our minds again from what we thought we wanted to something different, as in this thread
https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/going-round-in-circles.163577/

and we are now veering towards a french bed with hinged over cab bed, we can now consider whether to have them on the small L-shaped dinette via harness and the seat belt connection or do something along the lines of @Zigisla and his zip line + harnesses on the bed.

 

[Deleted member 29692]

Do the crates have interior padding? If not, just wondering what would happen to the dog if there were a collision or hard stamp on the brakes. Could he/she be damaged by the metal sides?

Yes. That's why a crate is a terrible idea for travelling.

 

[Lot lover]

Neither I nor my wife travel in a crate - why should my dog?

 

[Suneshinegirl]

Ok But I think we should really concentrate on the question asked by OP. Just can't resist.View attachment 193211

OMG, he is absolutely gorgeous

 

[RidersofRohan]

OMG, he is absolutely gorgeous

Yes he melts most women, they only have to look at him!

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[DanielFord]

Neither I nor my wife travel in a crate - why should my dog?

Wife in crate, now there's a thought!

 

[Bailey 15]

OMG, he is absolutely gorgeous

Now that has got to be the best looker I’ve seen
Absolutely lovely